"My Role as an Advocate"

My motivation for wanting to become a young child advocate is because when I began school there were no advocates except your parents. The parent is a great advocate to have, but the problem was most parents were not as knowledgeable regarding the child’s needs. Children do not understand what they need and sometimes it is difficult for families to be able to know what their child needs are, or to follow through aggressively to meet their needs. An advocate can take the time to research and assist families and other stakeholders on meeting the young child’s needs.  

Micro level will look only at the individual level, whereas the macro level looks at the national level. Each child has to be look at from his or her individual need. Micro level needs are so important because each child needs different levels of attention. One child may have a speech difficulty, whereas the next child may need help with a physical disability. Each child’s need may be uniquely different. “One size does not fit all” for children. The macro level can assist with children general needs and set the wheel for getting assistance from a national level to serve and provide various services for all young children.

Early childhood community leaders must have the ability to honor the rights of diversity, through positive and welcoming ways. They must understand how to build respect, trust, and equitable relationships. They must work collaboratively with families and communities.

State leader must understand how program are to be ran and managed. State leaders must be knowledgeable on the use of data to inform accountability. Leaders must be transparent to provide accessibility and understandable information in the various programs.

My advice to someone interested in becoming a leader in a child advocate role for young children and families would be to let them, you will need determination and sometimes you will receive a great deal of “ No’s”. This cannot be a “give up situation”. You must have patience and compassion for families. You must be able to listen and communicate with various agencies and government officials on behalf of your families. The most important aspect is to make sure you know what the families and children needs are.